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I have to agree with the location information pointed out here - the neglect of the lot, the lack of an neighborhood to advise/draw insight from, yadda, yadda... but I think fundamentally Washingtonians don't like Gehry. If you look at recent history, it's somewhat clear. The DC Council approved the multi-million dollar expansion of the Corcoran in the early 2000's, the project was ultimately scrapped (and probably part of why the Corcoran is looking to leave now) based on what Gehry is known best for, his metal work and his organic flowing designs. I am sure people liked the design - I don't think I have seen a Gehry building that I didn't like, when it sits in an appropriate location. But I think that it's easier for people to point out what they don't like about the proposed memorial design then it is for them to come right out and say that they don't like Gehry's work and that from a design perspective, his work does not blend into the fabric of the city - both a good and bad thing when it comes to design. The flip side of that, while it's great to attract artists and designers of the caliber of Mr. Gehry, one has to know your audience and that perhaps he needs to stop submitting for projects and derailing them. And it's not just Mr. Gehry's designs either, a similar folded metal abstract, almost Alice Through the Looking Glass, building was supposed to be built on the east side of 14th Street, at Church in Northwest, and while the project concept was approved, the design submitted was deemed too modern and not connected with the aesthetics (laughable as they are) of the neighborhood, and was retooled to conform.
So all of that said, perhaps a new space along with a new architect, along with clearer rules and oversight committee are what's needed to keep the memorial on track.

by Kirk on Jul 19, 2012 12:41 pm • link • report